Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for asset tracking using an asset tracking device, the method comprising: detecting a trigger to perform a co-location check; in response to the trigger, determining the asset tracking device is co-located with a carrier en route to a destination by: determining a route of the carrier from an origin of the carrier to the destination; receiving a plurality of location updates from the asset tracking device; determining whether the plurality of location updates are within a threshold distance of the route; and determining the asset tracking device is co-located with the carrier when one or more of the plurality of location updates are within the threshold distance of the route; determining a low power duration; and causing the asset tracking device to enter a low power mode for the low power duration.
This invention relates to asset tracking systems that monitor the movement of assets using tracking devices. The problem addressed is ensuring accurate tracking while conserving power, particularly when assets are in transit with a carrier. The method involves detecting a trigger to perform a co-location check, which verifies whether the asset tracking device is traveling with a carrier en route to a destination. To do this, the system first determines the carrier's route from its origin to the destination. The asset tracking device then provides multiple location updates, which the system evaluates to see if they fall within a predefined distance threshold of the carrier's route. If the updates are within this threshold, the device is confirmed to be co-located with the carrier. Once confirmed, the system determines a low power duration and places the asset tracking device in a low power mode for that period, reducing energy consumption while maintaining tracking accuracy. This approach ensures efficient power management without compromising the reliability of asset location data during transit.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving a location update from the asset tracking device; determining whether the asset tracking device is at the destination; and determining an updated low power duration when the asset tracking device is not at the destination.
This invention relates to asset tracking systems, specifically methods for optimizing power consumption in asset tracking devices. The problem addressed is the need to balance power efficiency with accurate location tracking, particularly for battery-powered devices that must operate for extended periods without frequent recharging. The method involves monitoring an asset tracking device that periodically transmits location updates. When a location update is received, the system checks whether the device has reached a predefined destination. If the device is not at the destination, the system calculates an updated low-power duration—a period during which the device reduces power consumption by limiting location updates. This adjustment ensures the device conserves energy when not in transit, extending battery life while maintaining tracking accuracy when needed. The system may also determine the low-power duration based on factors such as the device's current location, movement patterns, or environmental conditions. If the device is at the destination, the system may transition to a different power mode, such as continuous tracking or a deeper sleep state. The method ensures efficient power management by dynamically adjusting tracking frequency based on the device's proximity to its destination.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising receiving location updates from a carrier asset tracking system associated with the carrier during the low power duration.
A system and method for tracking carrier assets during low-power states involves monitoring the location of carrier assets, such as vehicles or containers, during periods when the tracking device is in a low-power or sleep mode to conserve energy. The system periodically wakes the tracking device to receive location updates from a carrier asset tracking system, allowing continuous monitoring without excessive power consumption. This addresses the challenge of maintaining accurate asset tracking while minimizing battery drain. The method includes determining a low-power duration for the tracking device, transitioning the device to a low-power state, and receiving location updates from the carrier asset tracking system during this period. The system may also adjust the low-power duration based on factors such as asset movement, battery level, or network conditions to optimize tracking efficiency. The tracking device may use wireless communication protocols to receive updates, ensuring reliable data transmission even in low-power states. This approach enables long-term asset monitoring with reduced energy consumption, making it suitable for logistics, fleet management, and supply chain applications.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the low power duration comprises: receiving an estimated time of arrival at the destination from a carrier asset tracking system; and determining the low power duration based upon the estimated time of arrival.
A system and method for optimizing power consumption in a mobile asset, such as a vehicle or device, by dynamically adjusting operational states based on an estimated time of arrival (ETA) at a destination. The invention addresses the problem of inefficient power management in mobile assets, where fixed power states may lead to unnecessary energy drain or insufficient battery life. The solution involves a carrier asset tracking system that provides real-time ETA data, which is used to calculate a low-power duration. This duration defines a period during which the asset operates in a reduced-power state to conserve energy while ensuring it remains functional until reaching the destination. The method dynamically adjusts the low-power duration based on changes in the ETA, allowing for adaptive power management. The system may also include additional features, such as monitoring battery levels and adjusting power states accordingly, to further enhance efficiency. By integrating ETA data with power management, the invention ensures optimal energy usage without compromising operational readiness.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the low power duration comprises: determining an estimated time of arrival at the destination based upon one or more of a distance from an origin of the carrier to the destination, or publicly available information about the carrier; and determining the low power duration based upon the estimated time of arrival.
This invention relates to optimizing power consumption in a carrier, such as a vehicle or drone, by dynamically adjusting operational states based on an estimated time of arrival (ETA) at a destination. The problem addressed is inefficient power usage during transit, where the carrier may operate in unnecessary high-power modes when low-power modes could suffice without affecting performance or safety. The method involves determining a low-power duration by first calculating an estimated time of arrival at the destination. This ETA is derived from factors such as the distance from the carrier's origin to the destination and publicly available information about the carrier, such as speed, route conditions, or historical travel data. The low-power duration is then set based on this ETA, allowing the carrier to transition to a low-power state for a portion of the journey, conserving energy without compromising functionality. The carrier may also transition between high-power and low-power states based on real-time conditions, ensuring optimal power efficiency throughout the trip. This approach reduces energy waste while maintaining operational reliability.
6. An asset tracking system comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor configured to: detect a trigger to perform a co-location check; in response to the trigger, determine an asset tracking device is co-located with a carrier en route to a destination by: receive a first plurality of location updates from a carrier asset tracking system; receive a second plurality of location updates from the asset tracking device; and determine the tracking device is co-located with the carrier when one or more of the first plurality of location updates are within a threshold distance of one or more of the second plurality of location updates; determine a low power duration; and cause the asset tracking device to enter a low power mode for the low power duration.
An asset tracking system monitors the location of assets and carriers to ensure proper transportation. The system addresses the challenge of accurately tracking assets while minimizing power consumption. The system includes a memory and a processor that detects a trigger to perform a co-location check. Upon detecting the trigger, the processor receives location updates from both the carrier's tracking system and the asset's tracking device. The system determines co-location by comparing the location updates and checking if they fall within a predefined threshold distance. If the asset is confirmed to be co-located with the carrier en route to a destination, the system calculates a low power duration and instructs the asset tracking device to enter a low power mode for that duration. This reduces energy consumption while maintaining tracking accuracy. The system ensures efficient monitoring of assets during transit by dynamically adjusting power states based on location data.
7. The asset tracking system of claim 6 , wherein the processor is further configured to: receive a location update from the asset tracking device; determine whether the asset tracking device is at the destination; and determine an updated low power duration when the asset tracking device is not at the destination.
An asset tracking system monitors the location of assets and optimizes power consumption by adjusting tracking intervals. The system includes an asset tracking device with a processor, a location sensor, and a communication module. The processor receives location updates from the sensor, determines if the asset has reached a predefined destination, and adjusts the tracking interval based on the asset's location. When the asset is not at the destination, the processor calculates an updated low-power duration to extend battery life while maintaining tracking accuracy. The system may also include a server that receives location data from the tracking device and provides instructions to the processor to adjust tracking parameters. The asset tracking device may enter a low-power state when stationary or when the asset is at the destination, reducing energy consumption. The system ensures continuous monitoring while minimizing power usage, making it suitable for long-term asset tracking applications.
8. The asset tracking system of claim 6 , wherein the processor is further configured to receive location updates from a carrier asset tracking system associated with the carrier during the low power duration.
The asset tracking system is designed for monitoring the location and status of assets, particularly during periods when the primary tracking device operates in a low-power mode to conserve energy. The system includes a tracking device with a processor, a wireless communication module, and a power management module. The processor is configured to periodically activate the wireless communication module to transmit location data to a central server, while the power management module controls the device's power consumption by switching between active and low-power states. During the low-power duration, the processor remains operational to receive location updates from an external carrier asset tracking system associated with the carrier transporting the asset. This ensures continuous tracking even when the primary tracking device is in a low-power state, maintaining real-time visibility of the asset's location. The system is particularly useful for logistics and supply chain applications where assets are frequently in transit and require reliable tracking without excessive power drain. The integration with the carrier's tracking system provides redundant location data, enhancing accuracy and reliability. The power management module optimizes battery life by minimizing active communication periods while ensuring critical data is still received during low-power intervals. This approach balances power efficiency with continuous monitoring, addressing the challenge of maintaining asset visibility in energy-constrained environments.
9. The asset tracking system of claim 6 , wherein the processor configured to determine the low power duration comprises the processor configured to: receive an estimated time of arrival at the destination from a carrier asset tracking system; and determine the low power duration based upon the estimated time of arrival.
Asset tracking systems monitor the location and status of assets, such as vehicles or shipments, to improve logistics and operational efficiency. A key challenge is optimizing power consumption in tracking devices, especially when assets are stationary or in transit, to extend battery life without compromising tracking accuracy. This invention describes an asset tracking system that includes a processor configured to determine a low-power duration for a tracking device. The processor receives an estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the destination from a carrier asset tracking system, which may be a separate system managing the broader logistics network. Using this ETA, the processor calculates the low-power duration, allowing the tracking device to enter a power-saving mode until the asset reaches its destination. This reduces unnecessary power consumption during transit while ensuring the device remains operational for critical tracking functions. The system may also include a tracking device with a processor, a power source, and a communication module. The processor controls the device's power states, switching between active and low-power modes based on the determined duration. The communication module transmits location and status data to a central monitoring system, enabling real-time tracking and reporting. By dynamically adjusting power states based on transit schedules, the system enhances battery efficiency without sacrificing tracking reliability.
10. The asset tracking system of claim 6 , wherein the processor configured to determine the low power duration comprises the processor configured to: determine an estimated time of arrival at the destination based upon one or more of a distance from an origin of the carrier to the destination, or publicly available information about the carrier; and determine the low power duration based upon the estimated time of arrival.
An asset tracking system monitors and manages the location and status of assets during transportation. A key challenge is optimizing power consumption in tracking devices, especially during long transit periods, to extend battery life without compromising tracking accuracy. The system includes a processor that calculates a low-power duration for the tracking device based on an estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the destination. The ETA is derived from factors such as the distance between the origin and destination or publicly available carrier information, such as scheduled transit times or historical data. The processor then determines the low-power duration by analyzing the ETA, allowing the tracking device to enter a power-saving mode while still ensuring timely updates upon arrival. This approach balances power efficiency with reliable tracking, reducing unnecessary energy consumption during transit. The system may also include features like geofencing, where the tracking device activates or deactivates based on predefined geographic boundaries, further optimizing power usage. By dynamically adjusting power states based on transit conditions, the system enhances operational efficiency and reliability for asset tracking applications.
11. A method for asset tracking using an asset tracking device, the method comprising: transmitting a plurality of location updates to an asset tracking system; receiving a message from the asset tracking system, the message comprising a low power instruction and a low power duration; entering a low power mode in response to the low power instruction; and exiting the low power mode in response to either expiration of the low power duration or detection of an interrupt, wherein the interrupt comprises a condition detected when the asset tracking device arrives at a destination prior to expiration of the low power duration.
Asset tracking systems monitor the location of assets in real-time, but continuous tracking consumes significant power, reducing device battery life. This invention addresses the problem by implementing an energy-efficient tracking method that balances power consumption with location accuracy. The method involves an asset tracking device periodically transmitting location updates to a central asset tracking system. The system analyzes these updates and sends a low power instruction to the device, specifying a low power duration. Upon receiving this instruction, the device enters a low power mode, reducing power consumption by limiting or pausing non-essential functions. The device remains in this mode until either the low power duration expires or an interrupt condition is detected. The interrupt condition occurs when the asset tracking device arrives at a predefined destination before the low power duration ends. Upon detecting this condition, the device exits low power mode and resumes normal operation, ensuring accurate tracking when needed. This approach extends battery life by minimizing unnecessary power usage while maintaining tracking accuracy when critical events occur. The system dynamically adjusts power states based on real-time conditions, optimizing efficiency without compromising functionality.
12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising: transmitting an additional location update in response to exiting the low power mode; receiving another message comprising the low power instruction and an updated low power duration; and entering the low power mode in response to the low power instruction.
A method for managing power consumption in a wireless communication device involves transitioning between active and low-power states to conserve energy while maintaining connectivity. The device monitors its operational state and, upon detecting a condition such as low battery or idle communication, enters a low-power mode to reduce power usage. While in low-power mode, the device periodically transmits location updates to a network to maintain connectivity. When exiting the low-power mode, the device sends an additional location update to ensure the network has current positioning data. The device also receives updated instructions from the network, including a low-power instruction and an adjusted low-power duration, allowing dynamic adaptation to changing conditions. Upon receiving these instructions, the device re-enters the low-power mode with the new parameters, optimizing power efficiency while sustaining communication capabilities. This approach balances energy savings with the need for timely location updates, particularly useful in battery-powered devices like IoT sensors or mobile terminals.
13. An asset tracking device comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor configured to: transmit a plurality of location updates to an asset tracking system; receive a message from the asset tracking system, the message comprising a low power instruction and a low power duration; enter a low power mode in response to the low power instruction; and exit the low power mode in response to either expiration of the low power duration or detection of an interrupt, wherein the condition comprises opening of a door of a container where the asset tracking device is installed.
An asset tracking device monitors and reports the location of assets, such as goods in transit or stored in containers. A key challenge is balancing power consumption with real-time tracking accuracy, as continuous location updates drain battery life. This device addresses this by dynamically adjusting power states based on external conditions. The device includes a processor and memory, enabling it to transmit location updates to a central asset tracking system. The system can send a low power instruction along with a specified duration, prompting the device to enter a low-power mode to conserve energy. The device remains in this mode until either the duration expires or an interrupt occurs. The interrupt is triggered by the opening of a container door where the device is installed, ensuring critical events like access to the container are immediately detected. This adaptive power management extends battery life while maintaining situational awareness. The device resumes normal operation after exiting low-power mode, resuming location updates as needed. This approach optimizes energy use without compromising tracking reliability for high-risk or high-value assets.
14. The asset tracking device of claim 13 , wherein the processor is further configured to: transmit an additional location update in response to exiting the low power mode; receive another message comprising the low power instruction and an updated low power duration; and enter the low power mode in response to the low power instruction.
The asset tracking device is designed for monitoring and managing the location of assets in a power-efficient manner. The device includes a processor, a location sensor, and a communication module. The processor is configured to enter a low power mode to conserve energy when the asset is stationary or when instructed by a remote system. Upon exiting the low power mode, the device transmits an additional location update to ensure the asset's position is recorded. The device also receives updated instructions, including a low power instruction and an adjusted low power duration, allowing dynamic adjustment of power-saving settings based on operational needs. This ensures the device remains functional while minimizing power consumption, extending battery life, and maintaining accurate tracking. The system dynamically adapts to changing conditions, such as asset movement or remote management commands, to optimize performance and reliability.
Unknown
October 6, 2020
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.